I'm new to the forum and thought it'd be a great place to get some needed information. I've been reloading for a few months, mostly 9mm and some .243.

I'm going to start reloading .45 acp, and will be using Vihtavuori N320, and would like to try out Rainier's 200 gr RN. Viht's manual only shows 185 gr FN load data, and I can't find the proper min/max loads with the above combination, neither on Rainier's site or Vihtavuori.

It is perfectly acceptable and safe to use data for a different but similar bullet. Use a manual from a different manufacture, find their 200 gr RN (you didn't specify if it was lead or jacketed - it does make a differance) and start at the that manuals minimum load and work yourself up.

Be aware of any pressure signs as you work up.

Seat the bullet to its cannuler, or to where it will fit the chamber of your pistol.

ETA: If the Rainier bullet is a plated bullet, use data for a a lead RN bullet.

Use data shown for a similar shaped cast lead bullet. Quikload is a great tool, but your OACL with a 200 gr. RN isn't going to be 1.275" which is max. cartridge length. Do you know how to determine OACL for YOUR pistol? If you loaded to say 1.250", that's not that much OACL variation for the lower operating pressure of the .45 ACP using the lower charges of N320 shown in JRH6856's QuikLoad graphic, but there should be cast lead load data available directly from the Vihta Vouri manual or load guides.

I can't find the proper min/max loads with the above combination, neither on Rainier's site or Vihtavuori.

From Rainier's Web Site.

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data.

If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load, and you may use published load data found in reputable reloading manuals.

Neither of these gives you an exact match,but itshould let you geta safestarting point. Get your COL by doing a plunk test. Google it if you are not familiar with the term.

I use 5.1 gn N320 under a 230 gn FMJ FN for what its worth.

So it seems like 4.9-5.0 would be a good place to start with the 200 gr RN. For the 9mm i load I run every case through the case gage after sizing/depriming, and then again after the final crimp. All go right in and fall right out, same with the barrel itself. Maybe I'm going overboard w/the checks.

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